You’ve completed your Level 2 Technical Specialist in MOT Testing (Award). You’ve put the work in, passed your assessments, and walked away with your certificate. A big achievement – well done but what happens after your MOT Tester course?
Completing the qualification doesn’t mean you can immediately start carrying out MOT tests. There are still some important steps to complete before you’re authorised to test, followed by ongoing responsibilities once you are.
Here’s what happens next and how Pro-Tech can support you along the way.
Step 1: Apply for Your DVSA Demonstration Test
Once you’ve successfully completed your MOT Tester Course your qualification is registered with the awarding body and uploaded to the DVSA MOT Testing Service (MTS).
The next step after your MOT Tester course is your DVSA Demonstration Test – the practical stage in which you’ll need to demonstrate that you can carry out an MOT test to the required standard.
The Demo Test is usually carried out either:
- At the MOT test station where you’ll be working, or
- At an approved training provider’s centre if you don’t yet have a site to test from
This is a key milestone, and getting it set up correctly from the start helps avoid delays.
Step 2: Prepare Properly for the Demonstration Test
The DVSA Demonstration Test is your opportunity to show a Vehicle Examiner that you can apply MOT standards correctly in a real testing environment.
You should be prepared to demonstrate that you can:
- follow the correct MOT inspection routine
- work safely and professionally in a live workshop
- use the MOT Inspection Manual and Testing Guide correctly
- identify and record defects accurately in MTS
This isn’t a stage to rush. Good preparation after your MOT Tester course means you can approach the Demonstration Test knowing what is expected of you and where to find the guidance you need.
Step 3: Pass the Test and Become an Authorised MOT Tester
Once you’ve successfully completed the required stages and DVSA has authorised you as an MOT Tester, you can begin carrying out MOT tests.
It’s an important milestone but becoming an MOT Tester isn’t a one-off qualification. Keeping your authorisation means continuing to meet DVSA requirements and maintaining your knowledge and testing standards.
Ongoing Responsibilities as an MOT Tester
What happens after your MOT Tester course doesn’t end with becoming authorised. MOT Testers have ongoing responsibilities designed to keep their knowledge current and testing standards consistent.
All MOT Testers are required to:
- Complete Annual Training and the DVSA Assessment between 1 April and 31 March each year
- keep up to date with changes to MOT testing standards and procedures
- participate appropriately in their site’s quality management processes
- use current MOT testing guidance
- maintain consistent testing standards
A key point on Annual Assessments
While CPD is not currently included as a suspension trigger, it would be prudent for Vehicle Testing Stations and testers to work on the assumption that this may change in the future.
DVSA guidance during site reviews now encourages examiners to mark “Improvement Needed” where testers leave their annual assessment until the final quarter of the year.
Annual training is released in April, and DVSA expects testers to engage with it throughout the year. Leaving assessments until the following March means testers may be working for months without exposure to the latest testing information.
At Pro-Tech, we strongly recommend completing annual assessments by December, protecting both the tester and the Vehicle Testing Station.
How Pro-Tech Can Help
At Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, our support doesn’t stop when your MOT Tester course ends. In fact, for many testers, that’s when our ongoing relationship really begins.
We support testers and Vehicle Testing Stations with:
- Guidance and reassurance before DVSA Demonstration Tests
- Annual training packages designed to keep testers compliant and confident
- On-site QC checks and compliance reviews
- Ongoing advice if you need clarification, a refresher or support in a tricky situation
- MOT Assist membership, giving access to expert guidance when it’s needed most
Our mission is simple: to help you not just qualify – but thrive as an MOT Tester.
What’s Your Next Step After Your MOT Tester Course?
If you’ve completed your MOT Tester course and aren’t sure what comes next – whether that’s arranging your Demonstration Test, preparing to become authorised or understanding your ongoing responsibilities – Pro-Tech can help.
Get in touch with the team and we’ll help you work out your next step.
